Despite Rachel's calm demeanor, the coldness in her gaze was chilling. "Ms. Yale, have you returned to Maxwell's side?"Jennifer paused. "Yes, Grandpa is ill. We have to act like a loving couple to keep up the pretense for his sake. Didn't Maxwell tell you this?""Of course he did," Rachel sighed, pretending to be distressed. "He's been troubled by this lately too. He doesn't love you but still has to pretend to be married to you. You must be enjoying this, right, Ms. Yale? This is your last chance to feel like his wife while Grandpa is still alive."Rachel's words painted Jennifer as pitiful and insignificant. Jennifer felt Rachel was humiliating her pride.Jennifer retorted, "Not everyone is as ignorant and superficial as you. Besides, my relationship with Maxwell is none of your business. We're divorced. Are you telling me you still couldn't get him to marry you?"Rachel paled. She hadn't expected Jennifer to mock her.She sneered and narrowed her eyes, "Ms. Yale, I used to th
Just then, Nathan hurried into the office. "Jennifer, I was originally scheduled to be on duty the day after tomorrow, but something came up, so my shift has been moved to tomorrow. Are you free that day? But I can handle the shift alone if you're busy."Jennifer had planned to clear her schedule for the next day to celebrate Maxwell's birthday. But now, she nodded calmly. "I'm free tomorrow.""Great, then it's settled." Nathan was overjoyed at the thought of supervising Jennifer's shift. He sneered to himself. Why was he feeling this way when it wasn't his first time mentoring a student? Perhaps Jennifer truly was different for him.That evening, Jennifer informed Maxwell and Robert that she would be on duty the next day. They were disappointed by the news, especially Maxwell.He asked, "Can't you take a day off or swap shifts? Do you have to be on duty tomorrow?""I couldn't find anyone to switch shifts with," Jennifer lied. "Besides, I'm just an intern. I don't have the autho
Jennifer didn't answer. Maxwell ignored the bad feeling growing in his heart and reassured her, "It's okay. You don't have to skip duty for me. We have a long future ahead of us with many more opportunities. Jennifer, I won't clip your wings and stop you from pursuing your career."Jennifer's eyes stung with tears. Although she said nothing, she was trying her best not to relent. If she did, she knew she would be with him, even if it meant being labeled a mistress or losing herself for him.The next morning, Maxwell and Jennifer got up and went to work as usual, seemingly no different from any other day. Yet, Jennifer still felt guilty and was starting to regret it. She shouldn't have let Rachel's words get to her and decided out of spite not to prepare any gift for him."Happy birthday," she said awkwardly before heading to work. "I'm sorry I didn't prepare a gift for you this year."Maxwell kissed her cheek. "You are the best gift I could ask for."Jennifer felt a twinge of sa
Jennifer was frustrated as the floor was soaked, and even her shoes were wet. When Nathan arrived, he saw Jennifer mopping the floor."What's going on?" he asked, walking over and looking at the room covered in water. "Why is there so much water?"Jennifer sighed. "The pipe is either broken or the drain is clogged.""Then why are you mopping the floor? You'll catch a cold if you sleep in this damp place during the winter." He pointed to another room. "My place is bigger and has four beds. If you don't mind, you can stay there tonight. The repairman should come and fix the pipe tomorrow."Jennifer was shocked and quickly declined, "No... There's no need for that. I'm fine here, Dr. Lowe. I won't get sick so easily!"Nathan smiled softly at her and suddenly chuckled. "Why are you looking at me like that? Am I that scary? Or are you afraid I will take advantage of you?"Jennifer was taken aback and quickly shook her head.Nathan's smile deepened. "Don't worry, I'm not that kind o
Jennifer was shocked. "I... I'm not in the room. Wait a moment, I'll come out right away." She was afraid of being discovered alone with Nathan. That would be hard to explain.Jennifer got out of bed and quietly walked out. She saw Maxwell holding a small box. When he saw her, a gentle smile appeared on his lips. "Are you busy tonight? If not, let's have some cake as a midnight snack."Jennifer was surprised that he'd brought her a slice of cake, especially on his birthday. She couldn't believe she hadn't prepared a gift for him. Initially, she thought it didn't matter, considering Maxwell was the one who broke their relationship. But faced with his sincerity and thoughtfulness, she felt a deep sense of guilt.Just then, Nathan opened the door and stood at the entrance. "Jennifer, did something happen?" Nathan thought Jennifer had gone out to attend to a patient. His voice immediately caught Maxwell's attention.Seeing Nathan, Maxwell froze, and anger began to stir within h
That damned Jennifer! How dare she waver between him and Nathan? No wonder she had been so distant and inconsistent with him lately. It turned out she had been indecisive and fickle all along! Maxwell sneered to himself, feeling utterly pathetic. He never received a blessing or present from his parents on his birthday. This year, Jennifer had given him a big surprise!As Maxwell wallowed in his sadness, a gentle voice suddenly sounded, "Maxwell... is that you?" Maxwell was surprised and immediately walked over. "Why are you here? It's late and cold. Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?" Rachel smiled, signaling the caregiver to step aside and let Maxwell take the wheelchair. Maxwell took over the wheelchair and frowned. "Didn't I tell you not to come here?" Rachel bit her lips pitifully. "I haven't given you your gift yet. I just wanted to give it to you on your birthday. Don't worry, I won't let Grandpa see me. I'll... I'll leave now." With that, she pushed a pair of del
Rachel was overjoyed but pretended to be concerned. "Ms. Yale seems to have misunderstood."Maxwell huffed coldly. "Let her. What does it have to do with me?""You're… You're right. You two are through," Rachel reminded him.Maxwell tightened his grip on the steering wheel and stepped on the gaze. After he sent Rachel home, he even took off his coat and went straight to the bathroom to run a bath.Rachel was surprised and delighted by the turn of events. "Maxwell, are you staying with me and the baby tonight?"Maxwell hummed. "You have a prenatal checkup tomorrow. I can accompany you."Rachel was moved. "You remembered my checkup date?"Maxwell apologized, "I'm sorry, I've neglected you and made you sad. But I won't forget the responsibilities I should bear."Whether or not he married Rachel, the child was his responsibility.Rachel was beginning to be grateful that the car accident she orchestrated did not harm the baby in her womb. Otherwise, she would have no ties to Maxwel
Seeing Jennifer's shock, Nathan explained, "I'm not in the best condition today, and I'm afraid there might be issues during surgery."He studied Jennifer's dark circles. "You didn't rest well either, did you?"Jennifer didn't know how to respond. Last night was the most peaceful night during her shifts, yet she couldn't sleep. As a result, she had dark circles under her eyes and looked exhausted.Nathan seemed to conclude something and told her, "After we finish rounds, you should go back and rest. However, I hope you can distinguish between your work and your personal life. Don't bring your personal issues to work, understood?"This was not only for Jennifer but also a reminder to himself. Changing surgery schedules at the last minute was something he had never done before. Nathan used to be very disciplined. He disliked this version of himself.Jennifer nodded guiltily. "Thank you for the reminder, Dr. Lowe. I affected your rest last night. I won't let it happen again."With
After visiting Harry, Simon left the prison with a heavy heart.He drove along a mountain road, letting the cool air blow against his face. He smoked a few cigarettes to clear his mind before finally heading home.It was late when he got back. Laura was in the kitchen trying to make something to eat. Simon sighed and walked over. "Go rest. I'll handle this."He took the ladle from her and began cooking.Laura didn't leave. Instead, she stood to the side, lost in thought. When had Simon started becoming this gentle? He used to be so distant and untouchable.She had been with him for five years, yet she had never known he could cook.Deep down, Laura wished he stayed the same cold and unreachable figure. At least then, she could keep her feelings in check.Simon asked, "Why aren't you resting?""I… I've been lying down all day. I just wanted to stand for a bit." She came up with an excuse. After a brief pause, she hesitantly asked, "Did you smoke?"Simon only then noticed the
Harry finally realized Simon had orchestrated everything. He had believed the Jensens were the mastermind behind this.Suddenly, thoughts of his daughter flooded his mind. He tried to stand up and confront Simon, but the handcuffs and shackles restrained him, forcing him to remain seated.Harry glared at Simon. "What have you done to my daughter? Tell me! What exactly have you done to her?"Simon smirked. "Nothing much. I simply taught her how to serve me, please me, and keep me happy."Harry's heart dropped. The thought of his daughter, whom he had lovingly raised and cherished, reduced to Simon's plaything after his imprisonment, tore his heart to pieces.It was a fate worse than death. "You! What happened to your father back then was my fault! I take full responsibility!" Harry's voice trembled, "But Laura is innocent. I beg you, let her go. Don't hurt her! You can kill me if you want. I'm begging you. Please, let Laura go!" Simon gazed at the desperate man before him. Ye
It was as if Simon blamed Laura for always asking stubborn questions.Their relationship was far from normal. He didn't understand why she insisted on getting to the bottom of everything.Laura's heart dropped. She returned to the bedroom, feeling utterly lost. Her heart ached. Simon was the most ruthless, selfish, and self-serving man she had ever met.Everything she had endured last night seemed insignificant to him. What mattered to him was that his mother hadn't caused her death, sparing him from any trouble.Around noon, Simon entered the bedroom.Laura was sitting on the rocking chair by the window, staring outside. The once-proud Laura now carried a sense of melancholy.Simon's heart tightened seeing her pale face. Unfortunately, apologizing wasn't his strong suit. He was too prideful for that.Still, he walked over to her and stroked her hair. "Don't take what I said to my mother earlier to heart. It wasn't aimed at you. Laura, you've been with me for five years. I thoug
Simon's words comforted Laura.After finishing the soup, she burrowed back under the covers. She peeked out to gaze at Simon, who was working on the couch. She could never get enough of him no matter how long she looked.Even though she knew she was being pathetic, she couldn't help herself. She was charmed by Simon. Every move he made exuded the poise and charisma of a mature man. Especially when he was focused on his work, it always stirred a sense of admiration in her.Eventually, drowsiness took over, and she drifted off to sleep again. She wasn't sure how long she slept. But later, she groggily heard Simon's voice as he spoke on the phone.Simon was on the balcony, talking to Fiona. Fiona feigned innocence. "How would I know she was on the balcony? I just noticed it was about to rain and wanted to close the balcony door for you."Simon's tone sharpened. "Mom, there's no point in making these excuses. We're mother and son. I can see right through you. If you pull another st
Laura understood Simon was technically still single since he wasn't married yet. She could still deceive herself and live in denial. But he would become someone else's husband once he married. Would she want to be his mistress?If it came to that, even she would despise herself.Simon hummed. "You can decide for yourself when that time comes. You can leave if you don't want to stay with me. But my promise will be void. You'd better believe me when I say, only I can save your father."Looking at Simon's emotionless face, Laura suddenly realized how cruel and cold-hearted he truly was. The feelings she thought they shared, the love and devotion she had poured her heart and youth into, were but a transaction in his eyes.Laura nodded. "Then let's set a deadline. I'll give you one year. If, after one year, my father's case remains unchanged, then we'll… cut ties."Simon replied calmly, "Fine, as you wish. Now get some rest."Only then did Laura close her eyes and stop resisting his t
Simon didn't give Laura any chance to react. He took a sip and then lowered his head before capturing her lips.Laura's eyes widened as Simon forced her to swallow the soup. She pounded on his shoulders before Simon let her go.He demanded, "I'll have no choice but to feed you like this if you don't drink the soup and take your medicine."Laura glared at him, her face flushed with both anger and embarrassment. She grabbed the bowl and downed the soup in one go. Then, she took the cold medicine he handed her.Simon finally relaxed and tucked her in. "Sleep."But how could Laura possibly fall asleep? Especially when Simon lay down beside her, pulling her into his embrace. She gritted her teeth. "Can you not touch me? I'm begging you. Don't touch me!"Simon didn't respond. He held her tightly, his warmth radiating through the thin fabric of her pajamas.Later, he noticed Laura was trembling and thought she was cold.When he turned her to face him, he realized her eyes were red, an
A sharp pain pierced Simon's chest. In the next instant, he held Laura tightly, as though trying to shield her from the cold. But still, she trembled uncontrollably. Without hesitation, he rushed to fill the bathtub with warm water and slowly placed her into it.Simon stroked Laura's pale face, then gently instructed, "Stay in the bath for a while. I'll make you some peppermint tea. If you start running a fever later, we might need to go to the hospital."Having said that, he turned to leave the bathroom. But as soon as he closed the door, he heard her crying.Simon froze in his tracks, then turned and rushed back in. He quickly undressed and stepped into the tub before pulling her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Laurie. I'm so sorry I came home so late," he apologized in a hoarse voice. "I-I didn't know they would—""Go away! Don't touch me!"Laura shoved him away with all her strength. Her voice broke as she screamed, "While you were happily spending time with your family, I was
As soon as Simon finished speaking, he froze. He had repeated what Laura had told him that day, almost exactly.He was a lawyer. Yet, his response was far from professional. Laura's words and actions had crept into his thoughts without him even realizing it. The realization unsettled him, leaving him feeling irritated.Meanwhile, William avoided Simon's gaze, guilt written all over his face. "Why are you bringing this up again? I've already told you. Those people came from some poor countryside. They don't deserve one million dollars."Besides, who in the right mind would complain about having too much money? If I can settle this with 200 thousand dollars, why should I pay a million? Didn't you say you found evidence to clear Brooks Group of most of the responsibility?"Simon had indeed found such evidence. That crucial piece meant Nick's family couldn't demand much compensation. Yet, a tightness gripped his chest, as if something unseen was pressing down on him. For some reaso
Fiona fixed her gaze on Simon, then replied, "Tell me honestly. Do you really only see Laura as the daughter of our enemy? If so, why do you keep putting off your engagement to Hailey?"Is there something else on your mind? Let me warn you. If you've developed any sympathy for that bitch, I'll end my life right in front of you!"Simon's heart sank as he heard that. He could clearly see the unwavering determination in her eyes. He would never doubt Fiona's words. After all, it was Harry who had caused Anthony's death, and that had shattered her life completely.The humiliation and torment Fiona had once endured flooded Simon's mind. He clenched his fists, unwilling to dwell on it any longer.He knew that Fiona would never accept Laura. The incident was something Fiona could never get over. Suddenly, she became agitated and grabbed Simon's arm tightly. Her voice was desperate as she demanded, "Tell me now. Do you have feelings for that bitch? Answer me!""Mom, calm down. I promi